Intentional Living, Servant Leadership, and Random Thoughts

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Movies Worth Seeing

I enjoy going to the movies. It is one of the ways I disconnect and recharge (golf being another). Thought provoking movies are the best, even better if they are based on a true story. Few movies tend to fall into these categories making the ones that do of particular interest to me. Making them a worthwhile use of your time.

Dunkirk checks all of the boxes. Thought provoking. Based on a true story (with the added bonus of being a military story).

As I watched this film I couldn’t help but ponder hope and hopelessness. The entire film is an observation on hopelessness. You feel the sense of despair of the main characters. The loss of hope of the soldiers stranded on the beach. The loss of hope of the pilot trying to fend off the German airplanes. The loss of hope of the civilians trying desperately to reach the beach and save as many soldiers as they can.

How do you handle a hopeless situation? Dunkirk confronts you with this question.

Just like Dunkirk, Hacksaw Ridge checks all of the boxes. Thought provoking. Based on a true story.

It has sort of a folksy feel to it because Desmond Dawes (Andrew Garfield) is very idealistic and innocent (the heavy accent plays into that as well).

Also, Vince Vaughn as a serious character is a nice twist. He does a pretty good job.

I appreciated how the movie highlighted his faith as a motivating factor in his service. The theme running through the film is just his perseverance and willingness to serve in the capacity that his faith allowed him to. Just think about it, a soldier unwilling to fight choosing to go into combat.

The action and drama of the film is incredible. You will have to see what happens.

Again, checks many of the boxes. Based on a true story with a military-ish perspective. This one has a similar feel to Dunkirk in the sense that you feel the fear of the stranded sailors but also the determination of the rescue team. One of my greatest fears is being stranded out on the open ocean, so the drama in this film impacts me in that sense. The dialogue of the rescue team captures the essence of sacrifice present in Dunkirk and Hacksaw Ridge. I love their determination in the face of near certain death.

I have linked to the trailer of the film, but must admit that the trailer does not capture the storyline very well at all. You will have to see for yourself. With that said, this is one of my favorite movies in recent memory. My wife and I loved it. Honestly, films like this are not exactly my style with the music and theatrical aspects. However, Hugh Jackman is one of my favorite actors (he also happens to be a very talented singer and dancer) and the message of the movie is particularly impactful as a young man and new husband. In short, the movie captures something I think men in particular struggle with: the pursuit of significance at the expense of family. This is a very enjoyable film for everyone.

Check these out if you haven’t already and let me know what you think!